Shiprider: A Joint Capability for Enhancing U.S./Canadian Maritime Cross-border Security

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Shiprider: A Joint Capability for Enhancing U.S./Canadian Maritime Cross-border Security

D. B. Reid

In order to maximize the effectiveness of a U.S./Canada perimeter approach to border security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Canadian government must support the development of a joint concept of operations that affords operational commanders a permanent, integrated cross- border law enforcement capability in the maritime environment. This paper will discuss the importance of securing the gaps existing along the northern border in a post-9/11 environment and the many challenges the U.S and Canada face in securing those gaps, specifically within the maritime environment. It will discuss current limitations of U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies operating along the northern maritime border and examine the national security implications associated with those limitations. Further, it will highlight a pilot project and several proofs of concept executed within the past decade which tested a joint concept of operations developed specifically to address challenges of maritime border enforcement in The Great Lakes Region and the Pacific Northwest. Finally, this paper will highlight the need to further develop the joint concept of operations to enable routine exercise of integrated maritime cross-border law enforcement capability and will propose an operational level recommendation for joint planners to consider when building the next generation of integrated operations.